IBM this month will release two new software updates focused on collaboration--Lotus Quickr 8.1 and Workplace Collaborative Learning 2.7. The company has also expanded its Information Server software platform with the introduction of IBM Information Server FastTrack, a new module for information integration projects.

Lotus Quickr is a Web- and desktop-based rich collaboration and file sharing environment available in Standard and "Entry" editions. The Standard edition provides a media repository/store, a set of Web services for content management and collaboration, and plugins for accessing Quickr through desktop apps. Lotus Quickr Entry is similar to Standard but geared toward personal file sharing, rather than team collaboration and multi-user document sharing. Features new to 8.1 (Standard) include:

An improved UI and workflow, including enhancements to contextual menus, breadcrumbs navigation, and version control;

Simplified personal file sharing; and

New administrator features, including enhanced policy settings and reporting.

Lotus Quickr Standard and Entry will be available in English March 28 via electronic delivery and April 8 in physical packaging with documentation. Other localized versions will roll out between April 28 and June 9.

IBM Workplace Collaborative Learning is a portal solution for supporting training. Version 2.7 has been available since December 2007. However, a new edition with (apparently) the same version number is being released in March as well, adding support for additional databases and operating systems. Complete information on databases and systems supported can be found here. This version will be available electronically March 21, with physical media and documentation streeting April 18.

Also this week, IBM expanded its Information Server software with the addition of the IBM Information Server FastTrack module for collaborative development. It includes support for development across roles, import/export features for integration with Microsoft Excel, customizable "discovery algorithms" for matching data structures, automated ETL WebSphere DataStage jobs, and various other integration features. Further information about IBM Information Server FastTrack can be found in an IBM white paper here.

Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at dnagel@1105media.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

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